Goaltender Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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goaltender
[หษกoสlหtษndษr ]
Definitions
ice hockey
A goaltender is a player on the ice hockey team whose main job is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking shots on goal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goaltender |
Commonly used in the context of ice hockey to describe the player responsible for stopping the puck from entering the goal.
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| goalie |
A casual and widely used term in both ice hockey and soccer to describe the player who defends the goal.
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| netminder |
An informal term, mostly used in ice hockey, to describe the player who protects the goal.
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| keeper |
Used primarily in soccer (football) to refer to the player who guards the goalposts.
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Examples of usage
- The goaltender made a spectacular save with his glove.
- She has been training as a goaltender since she was a child.
general
A person who guards or protects a goal or target.
Synonyms
defender, guardian, protector.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| goaltender |
Commonly used in sports, especially ice hockey, to describe the player who guards the net and prevents the opposing team from scoring.
|
| guardian |
Often used to describe someone who looks after and protects another person, especially a minor or someone vulnerable.
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| protector |
Used to describe someone or something that provides safety and defense from harm or danger.
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| defender |
Typically used in sports such as soccer or basketball to describe a player whose primary role is to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
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Examples of usage
- The security guard acted as a goaltender for the valuable artwork.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- The goaltender is often considered the last line of defense in hockey or soccer, making critical saves to secure a win.
- In ice hockey, the goaltender can use any part of their body to block shots, whereas in soccer, they can use their hands only within the penalty area.
- The position has evolved, with modern goaltenders also participating in play by passing the puck and initiating offensive strategies.
Pop Culture
- Famous goaltenders like Patrick Roy and Gianluigi Buffon have not only set records but also become icons of their sport.
- The role of the goaltender has been featured in films like 'The Mighty Ducks,' highlighting the pressure and heroics associated with the position.
Psychology
- The mental resilience of a goaltender is crucial; they must handle pressure and bounce back from goals scored against them.
- Studies suggest that confidence plays a significant role in a goaltender's performance, influencing their decision-making during crucial moments in games.
Training and Skills
- Goaltenders must practice specialized skills such as puck tracking, reflexes, and positioning to effectively block shots.
- Many teams invest in goaltending coaches who focus on developing specific techniques like butterfly saves or glove handling.
Origin of 'goaltender'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'goal,' referring to the area where points are scored, and 'tender,' suggesting someone who takes care of something.
- In British English, 'goalkeeper' is more commonly used, while 'goaltender' is prevalent in North American sports.
The term 'goaltender' originated in the sport of ice hockey, where it refers to the player whose primary role is to protect the goal. The concept of a goaltender can be traced back to the early days of hockey when the need for a player to guard the goal became apparent. Over time, the position evolved into a specialized role, with goaltenders using various techniques and equipment to prevent the opposing team from scoring. The term has since been adopted in other contexts to refer to someone who guards or protects a goal or target.
See also: goal, goalie, goalkeeper, goalless, goalpost, goals.